NTBA NATIONALS
NTBA NATIONALS 2023
New parts added:
NTBA GAME RULES
All National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) apply except:
Time
9U/3rd grade – 12U/6th grade: Two 14 minutes halves
13U/7th grade – 11th/12th grade: Two 16 minute halves
(Clock stops on all whistles unless the “mercy” rule is in effect)
Mercy Rule
If a team is up by 25 points then the clock will continue to run except during time-outs (clock will stop again on all whistles once the score is back under 20). Teams can not full court press when up by 25 points or more.
Time-Outs
Each team is given (5) thirty second time-outs per game for regulation. Players are permitted to sit on the bench during time-outs. These time-outs do NOT carry over to overtime. Each time is awarded (1) thirty second time-out for each overtime period.
Overtime
Overtime is two minutes long for the 1st and 2nd overtime periods. Starting with the 3rd overtime, the overtime period will be 1 minute long and continue with 1 minute overtime periods until a winner is determined. This overtime rule will be for both pool play and bracket play.
Game Ball Size
3rd – 6th grade / 9U-12U boys: 28.5 intermediate size basketball
7th – 11th/12th grade / 13U-14U boys: official men’s size basketball (29.5)
3rd – 11th/12th girls: official women’s size basketball (28.5)
*12U/6th grade boys: 29.5 size basketball may be used ONLY if BOTH coaches agree
Half time and Pre Game allotted time
Half time: 2 minutes
Pre-Game: 3 minutes
Each team should be stretched and ready to go as soon as the previous game is finished
Scorebook
The “home” team will provide someone to keep the official scorebook. NTBA recommends that the “away” team scorebook keeper sit beside the home team scorebook keeper to communicate and be proactive on any disputes. NTBA will provide someone to keep the scoreboard/clock. If for some reason no one is available to keep the scoreboard then the away team will provide a responsible person for this (16 years or older).
Jersey numbers
NTBA allows all numbers (00 and 0-99) to be worn on jerseys. There are no illegal numbers.
Grace Period
Teams must be ready to play at game time. If a team is not present at game time, a 5 minute grace period will be given. If the missing team has not shown up within that 5 minute grace period, the team present will be awarded a 25-0 forfeit win. Note: If a team is visible on site during the 5 minute grace, the game will be played in full (NTBA staff has the final say on this).
After the Girls National Championship is finished we will be awarding the 2023 NTBA Girls National Championship Team Sportsmanship Award!
The winner of this award will receive a FREE entry to the 2024 NTBA Girls Nationals!
We will announce the winner after the tournament. This will be voted upon from several tournament staff members in who they think deserves the team sportsmanship award for great behavior from the players, coaches, and parents throughout the tournament.
Our professional photographer will be on site during the two team/coach check-in times to offer you a team photo (complete with our 2023 Nationals Logo and Team Info on it).
You will need to schedule your team photo appointment with Sink Photographic Designs by email or phone at:
EMAIL: sinkphotographic@gmail.com
PHONE: 336-988-1749
Times available for Team Pictures are:
Wednesday June 21st: 4pm-8pm
Thursday June 22nd: 8am-10:30am
Note: These are the ONLY times available for team pictures
Forms and Info
TEAM PICTURE ORDER FORM
TEAM PICTURE INFO AND ACTION PHOTOS INFO
Action Photos available as well!
Please see the photography desk in the lobby of the Myrtle Beach Sports Center to sign up to have your player(s) get action photos taken.
💥💥VERY IMPORTANT!! You MUST read through the entire packet as it will go over all of the important info you need to know about our upcoming National Championship!!
2023 National Championship Information Packet
Please continue to check the NTBA website for any changes/updates to the Coaches Info Packet posted online.
Schedule
The schedule will be posted on our website (www.playntba.com) and on our free NTBA Smart Phone App (see info below for downloading instructions).
Note: The app is the best way to view the schedule (but make sure you are checking the website and click on the “NATIONALS INFORMATION” page as we will post other important information and documents there as well).
*Once the game schedule is posted on our NTBA App, make sure to check back daily for updates/changes to the schedule (and especially check back the day before and the 1st day of the tournament for any last-minute changes to the schedule)
NTBA App
Make sure you download the FREE NTBA app if you have a smartphone from your app store or google play store on your phone. Simply search “NTBA” and our free app will come right up. This is by far the BEST way to view the schedule and to see what seed you will be for bracket play (and to view the brackets).
*Make sure you sign up for “notifications” through our NTBA app as we will be texting and emailing updates & important info throughout the tournament. Once you click on your team in the app, then click the “Follow” button and enter your info to get notifications from NTBA.
Please contact the NTBA office if you have any questions about this.
**Make sure to check your game score following each game and make sure the score was put in EXACTLY correct as this will affect seeding for bracket play.
Team / Coach Check-In
You can check in anytime during the scheduled check in times available that we have posted on our website. Every team MUST be checked in at least 2 hours before their first game so that NTBA can verify all players. Reminder: anyone that is getting a coaches pass/wristband MUST come to team check-in to pick their pass up personally. Other coaches not checking the team in can come at anytime to pick up their coaches pass in person at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center. Any coach showing up to a game without a coaches pass will be required to pay to get into the gym.
Reminder for teams choosing “Option #2” to get your players verified and bringing all paperwork with you to team check-in that you must turn in a Hard Copy of your roster (a blank one will be posted online to print and fill out). We also need “proof of age” and “proof of the grade” the player was in this past school year for ALL players. Each player must have a parent/guardian to sign the NTBA Waiver before they can play as well (waivers can be found on our website).
For proof of age, you can use a copy of a birth certificate or a state certified document/ID (such as a DMV identification card, passport, Walker ID, or driver’s license)
For proof of the grade the player was in school, you can use any school certified document from anytime this past school year which can be a copy of a report card, progress report, or online Power School portal print off.
All players MUST be on the Roster turned in to NTBA in order to be eligible to play. Note: If all players are verified through NSID and your team is verified with a green “check mark” through NSID then you do not have to bring any paperwork with you to team check-in.
National Sports ID
NTBA highly recommends all teams get verified online before Nationals through National Sports ID (NSID) for proof of age and proof of current grade the players are in. You will need to show us the “Green Check Mark” that your entire team is verified for NTBA eligibility. Please make sure you add your team to the NTBA Nationals on the NSID website to get verified for our NTBA eligibility rules! If you have any problems connecting to the NTBA National Championship, please “chat” with NSID on their website (found in lower left corner of their website) and ask NSID to connect your team to the NTBA Nationals for you on their end.
If you get ALL players verified through NSID then you do not have to bring any paperwork with you to the Coach/Team Check-In.
For more info and to get your players verified through NSID:
Visit: https://www.nationalsportsid.com/ntba-age-grade-verification/
We HIGHLY encourage all teams to get verified through NSID!
Roster Rules
- Teams can have a maximum of only 15 players per roster/team
- All players must be on the team roster turned in to NTBA (or NSID) in order to play in the tournament (you can NOT add players to your team roster once turned in to NTBA or once NTBA checks your roster on NSID)
- As long as a player is ON the roster turned in to NTBA, that player can play at any point during the tournament
- Players can play on two different teams as long as it is within the SAME organization (same team name), it is two DIFFERENT age groups, and the player meets the eligibility requirements for BOTH age groups
- Post Grad/Prep School players are not eligible to play (a player must have been in high school this past year to participate)
Parking Fee for the Myrtle Beach Sports Center
The John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center is a city owned facility and the city of Myrtle Beach charges all vehicles entering the parking lot during events (note: NTBA has nothing to do with this). For regular vehicles there is a $5 per vehicle fee per day fee (you can come and go as much as you like during that particular day once you pay). Big Vehicles such as 15 passenger vans, buses, etc. are charged more.
This fee is only charged at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center. All other gyms are free to park.
Forfeit/Arriving Late to games
There is ONLY a 5-minute grace period once it is time for your game to start before the game becomes a forfeit. You MUST arrive in plenty of time for your games! Traffic delays are NOT an excuse. Make sure you leave in plenty of extra time to get to your gym. If it is the first time you are playing at a particular gym, make sure you leave early to find it. Multiple gyms are being used so give yourself plenty of extra time to find each gym (and to account for traffic delays). As long as a NTBA staff member can see the team within the 5-minute grace period the full game will be played, but otherwise it will be a forfeit win for the other team.
A forfeit score will be 25-0 (which is the maximum point differential)
Sportsmanship
Coaches are responsible for themselves, their assistants, their players, AND their players’ parents and fans. NTBA will not tolerate any unsportsmanlike behavior. We will dismiss any team from the tournament for anything we consider worthy of doing so (no refunds of any kind to anyone). *Players can not leave the bench for any reason. If a player leaves the bench (even if it is to break up a fight) that player may be dismissed/ejected from the game. Coaches and Refs should break up any altercations (not players or parents).
If a player or coach is ejected from a game, they MUST sit out the next game as well.
Coaches: make sure your players are aware of what happens if they are ejected from any game. No appeals can be made as they are judgment calls from refs/officials. Please talk with your players ahead of time about this so they know the rules! If a player gets a technical foul during a game, make sure that player is aware they will have to sit out the next game if they get a 2nd technical in that game.
Please note there is a nationwide shortage of referees/officials. Many officials have publicly stated they are not officiating travel basketball games anymore due to the bad sportsmanship/behavior from coaches, players, & parents. Please keep this in mind when coming to our National Championship as the officials we have are all trying their best so please be courteous to them. Please also note some officials are quicker with giving out technical fouls than others so you need to be aware of this and make sure your players are aware of this as well.
Bottom line: please be on your BEST behavior (and tell your player’s parents to be on their best behavior as well) so that no one is ejected from a game or the tournament.
Gyms Locations
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find each gym. The gym addresses are posted on the schedule and on the NTBA app under venues. You MUST pay close attention to the EXACT gym of each of your games as NTBA uses multiple sites.
Game Scores
Scores will be posted on the schedule and on our App. It is very important to check the app after each of your games to make sure the score is EXACTLY correct. This will determine seeds for bracket play so you want to make sure everything is exactly correct (point different could determine your seed). Contact NTBA immediately if your score is not correct on the app.
Seeds for bracket play will be posted on the NTBA App as soon as we know what seed your team is based upon your pool play record.
Bench Personnel / Scorekeeper info
Each team can have a maximum of 3 coaches on the bench and another scorekeeper at the score table. Any more than 3 coaches on the bench must first have prior approval from NTBA. Only players on the roster, in uniform, for that particular game are allowed to sit on the bench. Players from other teams, even if it is a younger or older team from the same organization, cannot sit on the player bench.
The “home” team will be the official scorebook so please make sure you have someone available to keep the scoresheet/scorebook, especially if you are the home team. NTBA will provide blank scoresheets which will be at each score table and on our website to print out. Please have your scoresheet filled ahead of time before your game time.
The “home” team is the team listed first (or on TOP) on the schedule.
NOTE: The away team scorekeeper should close enough to be able to communicate with the home team scorekeeper to make sure both teams have the exact same info at all times.
Note: NTBA will provide someone to keep the score clock.
Determining Seeds for Bracket Play
Please do not assume your seed. Make sure you look at the updated brackets/seeds posted on the schedule (and on our App) after pool play is over with all teams in your pool. Based upon pool play record, the top half of the teams from pool play will go to the Gold Bracket and the bottom half of the teams will go to the Silver Bracket (NTBA will crown a National Champion in each).
Teams will be seeded from their pool first according to their record. If two teams are tied with the same record, we will look at head-to-head to determine the higher seed first.
If 3 or more teams are tied then NTBA will look directly at point differential to determine the seeds (no head to head outcome is used in a 3 way tie). If the point differential is the same for teams, then the team giving up the fewest amount of points will get the higher seed. If this is the exact same then NTBA will flip a coin to determine the higher seed. Note: this has never happened in the past.
Note: There is maximum of 25 points for point difference. If a team wins by 41 points then they will get a +25 for their point differential for that particular game and the losing team will get a -25 for that game. Forfeit scores will be 25-0.
NOTE: Pools for pool play are randomly assigned
All teams will play all other teams in their pool. In a pool of 5, the top 3 teams will go to the Gold Bracket and the bottom 2 teams will go to the Silver Bracket. In a pool of 4, the top 2 teams will go to the Gold Bracket and the bottom 2 teams will go to the Silver Bracket. In a pool of 3, the top 2 teams will go to the Gold Bracket and the bottom team will go to the Silver Bracket.
Note: If you play a team in a different pool then that particular game will not count towards your pool play record to determine your seed for bracket play.
*Important Note: Bracket play games can NOT be moved! NTBA will try its best to accommodate coaches that coach multiple teams for pool play, but we can not accommodate this for bracket play as bracket play games are set with the original schedule and because we won’t know what seed a team will be we can not control when you play in bracket play. Please make plans if your teams end up playing at the same time.
NTBA Store
“2023 National Championship” apparel will be on sale during the tournament. Our great apparel will be on sale in the lobby of the Myrtle Beach Sports Center.
Gym Time Opening
The gyms will not open until approximately 30 minutes prior to the first game of the day at that particular gym. Check the NTBA App for Venue Schedules to see what time the first game is at a particular gym.
Wristbands
Wristbands MUST be worn on the wrist at all times…NO EXCEPTIONS! Wristbands can not be put on belts, handbags, etc. They must be worn on the wrist only. Coaches will be required to wear wristbands the entire tournament. Any coach not wearing a wristband will be asked to pay at the door. NTBA is not responsible for any lost coaches passes (wristbands). These are “hospital” type wristbands and can go in the ocean/shower/etc. and the only way they can come off is to cut them off.
Cost for Admission
See website for daily cost for spectators at Nationals
-No Week/Tournament Passes sold
-Kids 9 years old and under are free
-Daily passes are good for all games/gyms for that particular day (make sure you keep your wristband on in order to get back in the gym)
Game Rules
All National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) apply except:
Time
3rd – 6th grades (9U-12U): Two 14 minutes halves
7th – 11th/12th grades (13U and above): Two 16 minute halves
(Clock stops on all whistles unless the “mercy” rule is in effect)
Mercy Rule
If a team is up by 25 points, then the clock will continue to run except during team or official time-outs (clock will stop again on all whistles once the score is back under 20). Teams can not full court press that are up by 25 points or more.
Time-Outs
Each team is given (5) thirty second time-outs per game for regulation. Players are permitted to sit on the bench during time-outs. These time-outs do NOT carry over to overtime. Each team is awarded (1) time-out for each overtime period.
Overtime
Overtime is two minutes long for the 1st and 2nd overtime periods. Starting with the 3rd overtime, the overtime periods will be 1 minute long and continue with 1 minute overtimes until a winner is determined. This overtime rule will be for both pool play and bracket play.
Game Ball Size
3rd – 6th grade boys (9U-12U): 28.5 intermediate size basketball
7th – 11th/12th grade boys (13U+): official men’s size basketball (29.5)
4th – 11th/12th girls: official women’s size basketball (28.5)
Note: 12U/6th Grade Boys may use the 29.5 basketball only if BOTH coaches agree
Half time and Pre-Game allotted time
Half time: 2 minutes (but tournament director holds the right to shorten if needed)
Pre-Game: 3 minutes (but tournament director holds the right to shorten if needed)
Each team should be stretched and ready to go
Scorebook
The “home” team will provide someone to keep the official scorebook. The “away” team scorebook keeper should sit close to the home team scorebook keeper to communicate and make sure everything is the same. NTBA will provide someone to keep the scoreboard/clock.
Jersey numbers
NTBA allows all/any numbers to be worn on jerseys.
Free Throws
Players can enter the lane on the release of the shot. Shooter can enter the lane once the ball hits the rim.
Coaches Passes
Each team will be given three (3) free coach’s passes and one (1) extra coach’s pass can be purchased (during team check-in) for $35
NTBA does not care who gets the coach’s passes, but a team is only allowed a maximum of 4 passes.
Coaches Agreement Form
One representative from each team must sign the “Nationals Coaches Agreement Form.” This form will be posted on our website along with all other info and you can print the form off from our website. *Make sure you are aware of all the NTBA rules/regulations.
“Home” team on the schedule
The team on TOP (or listed first) on the schedule is the “home” team (for pool play and bracket play). The home team will provide the official scorekeeper (NTBA will provide someone to work the scoreboard). The home team will wear light color jerseys (make sure you bring both colors to every game in case you need to change due to similar colors). The away team scorekeeper should sit close enough to the home team scorekeeper so that you can make sure both always have the exact same info.
For bracket play, the team on TOP of the bracket will be the “home” team (no matter what seed a team is).
Note: The officials will choose the best game ball to use.
Dress Code
No flip flops or beach attire allowed while coaching. Shorts are fine. Please wear a polo shirt or “team t-shirt.” Simply look “nice and professional.” NTBA reserves the right to ask any coach or scorebook keeper to change clothes.
MBSC policies
All teams/players/spectators must adhere to all Myrtle Beach Sports Center policies along with all NTBA policies.
No chewing gum allowed. Shirt/Shoes must be worn at all times. Any fighting by any teams (players or spectators) may cause for an automatic dismissal from the tournament with no refunds of any kind (to teams or spectators). Please see other MBSC policies at the facility.
NTBA Rules/Policies
Make sure you are up to date with all current NTBA rules and policies posted on our website.
Forms/Info posted on our website
NTBA will post new forms and new info on our website for Nationals so make sure you are checking daily for new/updated info. This will be posted on our “NATIONALS INFORMATION” page on the website.
Basketballs
Each team should ONLY bring two (2) basketballs to warm up with for games. Make sure at least one of them has the NFHS stamp on it to use for a game ball. Coaches are in charge of keeping up with balls in between games (not players) and both basketballs should be kept in a ball bag so that basketballs are not being dribbled/used when not playing or warming up on a court.
TEAM/COACH CHECK-IN PROCESSPlayers do NOT have to be present at team check-in ( you can however sign up for team pictures if you want to get a 2023 National Championship Team Photo...more info on this coming soon ). Please note that coaches getting a pass/wristband have to be present in order to get their coaches pass/wristband. Note: If a particular coach is not available to come to the team/coach check-in then that particular coach will just simply need to come by the Myrtle Beach Sports Center BEFORE their first game (in plenty of time to pick it up). Coaches passes can only be picked up at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center.
You MUST wear the wristband ON your wrist (and no where else) for the entire tournament. If you choose not to wear one you will need to purchase a daily wristband at the gate each day.
Each team will receive will three (3) free coaches passes/wristbands and you can choose to purchase a 4th pass for $35. Each team can only receive a total of four (4) coaches passes. We do not care who the coaches passes go to for each team, but you can only receive a maximum of 4 passes (3 free ones and 1 extra for $35).
LOCATION OF TEAM/COACH CHECK-IN
John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center
2115 Sports Center Way
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
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ITEMS FOR CHECK-IN
See Email #2 on player verification process. If you are choosing Option #2 then you MUST bring all the proper paperwork for each player! Contact NTBA with any questions. If you are choosing Option #1 and getting verified through NSID then you do not need to bring any paperwork with you, but make sure all your players are verified on NSID per NTBA eligibility rules.
During team check-in we will collect all of the info we need from the coach and/or team admin and also give out discounts to local attractions/restaurants.
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CHECK-IN TIME OPTIONS
Coaches can choose to come ANYTIME during the following time slots:
Wednesday June 21st: 4:00pm-8:00pm
Thursday June 22nd: 8:00am-10:30am
You do not need to sign up for specific time slot...simply show up at anytime during the time frames above.
*We HIGHLY suggest you coming during the Wednesday time slots if you are in town as the process will be MUCH FASTER!
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TEAM PICTURE INFO
Many teams will want to have a professional team picture taken with the 2023 NTBA Nationals Logo/info on it. Any team can sign up to get their team picture taken. See BELOW for an example of what the team picture will look like. You can get your team picture taken at any time during the team check-in times. Simply have the players show up in whatever color uniform you want them wearing for the team picture.
Team Pictures are ONLY available during the two check-in time options listed above.
*More more coming soon about Team Pictures!
NTBA will be doing a contact free player check-in once agian for NTBA Nationals. You must take care of these items ( see options below) before the tournament starts! ALL players MUST be verified BEFORE they play their first game.
You have two options to get your players verified.
Option 1: (and the one we HIGHLY recommend so you don't have to bring all the paperwork with you) is to do EVERYTHING through NSID.
Option 2: is to bring everything with you and we will verify all players during the team check-in.
See below for the two options:
OPTION 1: National Sports ID (NSID) - we HIGHLY recommend this option
This option is the one we HIGHLY recommend! There is a small fee per player however it is good for 365 days and most other tournaments are now accepting NSID for player verification as well. You can create the team account and forward everything to the parents to do and they would pay the nominal fee.
Click the link below for the NTBA NSID Link to get started: https://www.nationalsportsid.com/ntba-age-grade-verification/
For the Girls Nationals, scroll to the bottom of that page and click on "get verified" for GIRLS GRADE BASED NATIONALS (this will assure you are getting verified by NTBA rules).
Note: NSID has a "chat" feature on their website that can help you with any questions you or your parents have. If you choose to get verified through NSID you will not have to bring anything to NTBA during the coach check-in as NSID will take care of all of that for you! Coaches will still need to check in before you play to get your coaches passes and receive other discounted coupons for things to do in the area, but you do NOT need to bring any paperwork with you to the tournament.
*Please make sure ALL players are on your roster are VERIFIED through NSID before arriving to Nationals if you choose this option. Players will not be allowed to play in games until they are officially VERIFIED through NSID.
You as the coach will receive a team verification 'green check' that you can show to all other tournaments you play which will be great for you for future tournaments. You can pass the small fee along to the parents to pay as they are getting their players verified through NSID.
NOTE: If your team is already verified through NSID, make sure you connect your team to our NTBA Girls National Championship tournament on NSID (if you have problems connecting to our event, simply "chat" with NSID on their website and ask them to connect your team to NTBA Girls Nationals for you on their end).
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OPTION 2: Bring ALL paperwork with you to the Coach Check-In at NTBA Nationals
If you don't get verified through NSID then you MUST do ALL of the following and have everything neatly organized in a folder at the Coach Check-In. Coach check-in will be Wednesday (4pm-8pm) or Thursday (8am-11am)...more info to come on this in future emails.
Items you MUST have at NTBA Coach Check-In:
1. Roster (see link below for the team roster form for NTBA - please fill out in full and have ready to turn in to NTBA during team/coach check-in). NTBA will keep this Roster Form.
2. Copy of a report card for all players on the roster (or something to prove what grade they were in this past school year).
3. Copy of a birth certificate for all players on the roster (or something with their date of birth on it to prove how old they are such as a copy of a passport, drivers license, or state ID).
4. Picture of all players on the roster (simply take a picture which can be a head shot/profile pic at practice and have it posted along with their birth certificate & report card).
5. Signed Parent Waiver Form for all players on the roster (see link below for this form).
Note: Please organize in a folder/binder/book each individual player and her paperwork separately so that when we go through the folder each player's info is together so it would look like:
- "Player A" will have her picture along with her Signed Parent Waiver, Copy of Birth Certificate, Copy of Report Card all together for player A
- "Player B" will have her picture along with her Signed Parent Waiver, Copy of Birth Certificate, Copy of Report Card all together for player B
- and continue for ALL players
Note: Any player you think at any point might play during NTBA Nationals MUST be on the Team Roster Form you turn in at team check-in as you can NOT add players during the week/later on.
NTBA Forms for Option 2TEAM ROSTER FOR NTBAPLAYER WAIVER FORM FOR NTBA NOTE: Whether you choose option 1 or 2, any player that is not verified or you don't have ALL paperwork for will NOT be able to play in any games until you get the proper paperwork for them! Make sure to get this organized BEFORE you come in town! If you choose Option 1 (NSID), you simply just need to make sure each player's parent has done all requirements online through NSID and you will be good and no paperwork is needed to bring with you.
NTBA 2023 GIRLS BASKETBALL ELIGIBILITY RULES
3rd Grade – a girl must be in the 3rd grade as of October 1, 2022 & she must be 10 years old or younger on August 31, 2023
or a girl in the 4th grade that is 9 years old or younger on August 31, 2023
4th Grade – a girl must be in the 4th grade as of October 1, 2022 & she must be 11 years old or younger on August 31, 2023
or a girl in the 5th grade that is 10 years old or younger on August 31, 2023
5th Grade – a girl must be in the 5th grade as of October 1, 2022 & she must be 12 years old or younger on August 31, 2023
or a girl in the 6th grade that is 11 years old or younger on August 31, 2023
6th Grade – a girl must be in the 6th grade as of October 1, 2022 & she must be 13 years old or younger on August 31, 2023
or a girl in the 7th grade that is 12 years old or younger on August 31, 2023
7th Grade – a girl must be in the 7th grade as of October 1, 2022 & she must be 14 years old or younger on August 31, 2023
or a girl in the 8th grade that is 13 years old or younger on August 31, 2023
